Day 9 ~ West Coast Rock Tour

 ~ 9th Day ~

Yesterday ROCKED... no other way to describe it.

The day started with a much anticipated coffee date with Heather Kopp (aka "Sober Boots"). She is a well-known blogger and writer. My mom, myself and many others follow her witty, thought-provoking, insightfulness of "what life is like at the intersection of addiction and grace." You can check out her phenomenal blog atwww.soberboots.com and you won't be disappointed.

Having coffee with Heather Kopp, Kelley Leigh, and Carol Gardner Pollitt felt like a destined merging of all our paths... and our stories. The grace, redemption, healing, and power of God crocheted throughout each of our journeys is undeniable. The conversation was without pauses... flowing from one story and experience to the next (and the other 3 who weren't talking at the time, couldn't help but nod there heads with constant hmmm's). It was a joy to finally meet this woman and I learned a lot by listening more than talking. My truck will take back 2 signed copies of her latest book, "Sober Mercies." She was given a "Live...Purposefully" rock. The whole experience was a beautiful exchange.

Kelley and I came together, but she caught a ride from Carol to Manitou Springs to do some writing for her upcoming book, "Felt Stories" (which you all should be eager as I am to read). I felt the need to stay in downtown Colorado Springs for awhile, mainly to attempt finding "Rebel" and Curtis again. I did not find them, but I did meet some other beautiful people in the next hour or so.

People were bustling about and the streets and sidewalks were full. Parking spots were hard to find, but I found one... right in front of 2 homeless men sitting under a vacant shop's awning. This was no coincidence! Grabbed my backpack and walked right up to them. There names were Garlo (with his dog Wolfee) and Chuck. Spent the next 45 mins listening to many chapters of their life stories. Walked to 7-11 to buy them something to eat (their sign said "Hungry")... but I'm hoping they were fed more than food.

Chuck has been on and off the streets for 30+ years. He has a wife who has progressed rheumatoid arthritis and lives in a nearby town, but due to drama with the landlord, Chuck chooses to live on the streets and give his monthly check to his wife. "I would rather suffer out here and know that she is safe. She couldn't live out here... it's too hard. I love her enough to sacrifice living on the streets so that her well being is not in jeopardy." This wasn't his "pitch" as many have to get people to give them money. Being homeless is most often a choice, but this was the first time I've heard this reason. It was after we had sat awhile, that he told me this part of his story. Chuck had a kindness and politeness about him.

Garlo is a man of many journeys. He could have quite the following if he was a blogger! He is originally from Georgia and it took him 3 months to get to Colorado. This is not his first road trip, but it is the first time he has journeyed West. His goal is California. We joked about crossing paths somewhere again in Cal. since that is where I'm headed as well (except I'm not walking). I gathered a lot of information from him about the shelter situation in Colorado Springs. While there are several rehabs, there is only one shelter... and the beds are always full (mainly with people who just got out of jail/rehab). Chuck has stayed there a few times, but the waiting list is long. Unlike many of the shelters I've been in, this one doesn't offer showers for those who don't have beds. Garlo hadn't taken a shower since he arrived in Colorado Springs 4 weeks ago. The interesting thing was that his dog, Wolfee, has been welcomed several times at a place where he can get a bath as well as fed. I found this ironic. Garlo was well-spoken, in love with his dog, and ready for California.

I was low on rocks, so I gave both Chuck and Garlo a "Love" rock to share while their paths were side by side and told them to decide who should keep the rock once their paths parted. They liked this idea... and wanted me to squat with them longer, but it was my time to part paths with them. They put the rock in between them and Wolfee was very photogenic when I took the picture.

The remaining half and hour were small conversations with people of all walks. Talked to a man who comes down once a week to stand on a street corner's stone wall to preach (very loudly) from the Bible. I was able to get him down to eye level and have an interesting conversation with him. Asked him many questions about why he was doing what he was doing, why he shouted, and what the receptions of people was. He had answers for each one. He appeared antsy talking to me... uncomfortable talking eye to eye, like he was eager to get back up on the wall. I simply wanted to encourage him cause he was getting laughed at and mocked. After he was positioned where he was most comfortable, I went to crouch down past the nearby corner restaurant to take his picture. Three women were having lunch and shouting back to him, "Praise the Lord, Preacher!" while snickering. I wanted to, in secret, drop a rock in each of their purses, but instead, prayed for their hearts to quietly hear the words he was shouting, and stop judging him for the way he was saying it.

John, the preacher, made me contemplate many things.

It was time to leave, and though I didn't talk to "Rebel" or any of the other people I had met a few days ago, I did see him and Curtis while driving out to the highway. It was not meant for me to speak to them, just see them and continue to pray for someone else to water the seeds planted.

The next adventure was retrieving my Bible that had been lost.
I will write about this in a later post... such a cool story!

The darling town of Manitou Springs was the next mission field. Kelley had already been there and left by the time I arrived, but she suggested I get a cup of mate from the Mate Factor Cafe then take my rocks to the park behind the shop. This was a total set-up! But before that is told, there was another set-up that God would orchestrate. Manitou draws in all types of people and the locals, tourists and homeless glittered the town. Again, no parking spots. Drove out on the main strip till a distant parking lot was found. Backpack loaded, I walked to the joint parking meter box... where I saw Aaron. He was downcast in body and spirit. Once Tumbler's spot was paid for, I asked if he was hungry. He was... and for more than food. We walked and talked, learning about his recent trip to rehab and going right back to drinking once he got out. His only family around (his sister) had put up a wall and shut him out. I tried to explain that people who love us the most often have to set up boundaries. They appear angry, but the are really just hurt that we don't stop hurting ourselves.
Two hot dogs were ordered and we found a shady place to sit and continue conversing. Aaron told me a lot about his story and his present struggle with alcohol. My heart was being pulled in... and I was praying for the soil of his heart as well. What happened in the next 20 min was the most memorable thing on this journey I have yet to witness. I shared about the void we all have and how we try to fill that void with a plethora of things, yet we are never fully (or lastingly) satisfied. He really got this analogy. We talked about how he was trying to fill it and I shared of ways I tried to fill it. Visible and not so visible addictions (void fillers) was discussed as well as how everyone struggles with this void.

Then the most important void filler was shared... Jesus. His eyes lite up and I knew I needed to shared my testimony of how my void is no longer there because of a relationship (not religion) with Jesus is not temporary, but eternal. The soil of Aaron's heart was fertile and ready.

There are many ways to share the awesome gift of God's grace, love and forgiveness. One way doesn't work for everyone. God's Spirit knows how the message of the Gospel will best be heard and received.

The "Void" and Jesus wanting to fill it was Aaron's way.
He accepted Jesus into His heart that afternoon over 2 hot dogs.
He was handed a pink "Joy" rock, but he didn't care about the color, cause he caught hold of an eternal joy and assuredness that no matter what, he is loved by his Heavenly Father. Aaron is a new man... high five to God!!!

I was all sorts of tickled pink (like the rock). A mate cup of tea was next.
So much happened in this cute, little cafe. I'll try to use minimal words cause there is much more to share about the park behind it.

I am informed what "mate" (pronounced ma-tae) is and I order a chai mate. A conversation commensed... one that brought 2 of the 3 people working the cafe out from behind the counter. I had told them I'm traveling through with my Rock ministry. They were very curious. Said I'd be right back and left them in front on the counter. I went outside and prayed as I went to pull out a rock from my backpack... praying to be bold in the message of the Gospel and for this rock to speak louder than my own words. Went back inside and handed the young lady the rock. She just started laughing... The rock was large and had "Joy" on it. Her name was Joy. We talked for some time and I can only hope and pray that clarity and truth was shed upon the confusion and deception. Their hearts were full of love and good intention. God will continue to massage their hearts... and I pray the tangible and intangible seeds left, will take root.

The chai mate was truly delicious, but the "energy force" they said I was drinking was not what was keeping me energized... God is my strength and I would need to stay full of Him for the remainder of the afternoon.

As Kelley had suggested, the park was a stellar ministry opportunity.
There were people of all ages, races and walks of life congregating there. I knew rocks needed to be scribed, 'cause they were being handed out faster than being made. An open bench in view, I headed for it. There was such a sense of lostness in the park. Even with the playground and bubbling creek, where kids and adults were playing in both, I couldn't shake this feeling that this place was full of darkness and depravity. I know that sounds odd and maybe like a judgmental Christian thing to say, but I wasn't looking to judge or even trying to survey the premises... I just felt it. But this did not detour me from going to the bench, rather made me snug up my straps and walk confidently, knowing that God had specific things to do and people to meet.

The main thing I did in the park (besides make more rocks) was to pray.
I was totally okay with this assignment, cause this meant it wasn't me who was speaking to individuals in dark places of their hearts, but God directly... by His gentle (though sometimes firm in love) voice. I sat for about an hour before William came wandering over from the corner of the woods by the creek. He thought I was carving, and wanted me to carve a pot leaf into his bone pipe. When I told him what I was doing, he started asking questions and we had ourselves a nice talk about drugs, God, dream-catchers, and the Bible. I gave him a rock necklace with a green heart carved from a guitar pick. He wanted to give me a dream-catcher, but I told him I was cool with him just knowing that his heart was uniquely hand-carved by God.
William went back to his cluster of dreamers, but later returned with a gift for me... a yellow guitar pick he had just carved into a heart.

 

More rocks were made and more praying. Talked with a few other people. Some looked like they were homeless, but it was hard to tell cause many of the people were bare-footed and past or present hippies. One young guy's feet were so weathered, I asked him if he wanted a pair of sandals (I brought 5 extra pairs to hand out), but he said, "No, but thanks anyway." He had a cat chillin' in the hood of his sweatshirt. His name was "Stitch." He had a happy smile, but there was a sadness to him.

                      

           

The last rock I gave out that day was to a couple who were with their newborn baby. He had tubes going to an oxygen tank and he was very, very tiny. The rock I was making took 20 min to scribe... and I prayed for the couple and their baby all the while. After it was done, I walked over to them and asked what the baby's name was.
Lincoln was a fighter.

... a survivor.

When he is older and stronger, he will have a rock that says "Faith."

Okay, I apologize for the (more than usually long) length of this post.
There was just so much to testify about yesterday.

Before heading back to eat, converse, and rest at the amazing Leigh house, I purposefully missed the exit out of Manitou so I could find a road that led to the collection of red rocks I had seen on my way in. Somehow I turned at the exact road that would take me up the mountain to where I was awed for the next half hour. Pictures don't do justice, but still I took many. It was a perfect ending spot to a pretty spectacular day. The scenery was so beautiful it almost looked fake... but it was oh so real.
And our very real and living God had created them.
...Just like He created this day.
God ROCKS.

~Unshakable Peace, Joy and Purpose~
cling to the Rock 
Psalm 18:1-2

Day 8 ~ "West Coast Rock Tour"

~ 8th Day ~

There were only 2 mission fields this day....Though much happened within both.

After a bowl of oatmeal, Kelley and I ventured to The Exodus Road office. Steve Leigh was already there, as well as Laura L. Parker (Co-founder and Vice President of this ministry that is run by God's matchless power). There were many things on the do-to-list and no time was wasted diving in.

There is something so peaceful, comfortable, warm and bright at this office where the focus is on something so disturbing, uncomfortable, cold-hearted and dark... This being human trafficking. There is so much good/right being done for something so bad/wrong.

When I walked into the office, the first thing my eyes fell upon was the tall, rectangular, wooden table that holds the precious "Freedom Rocks." There are 189 rocks on that table... each one representing a girl or boy who has been rescued from sexual slavery. Every one of these precious, innocent girls or boys has a name, but to keep them protected, their names have either been changed or "girl" or "boy" has been written on these small stones that represent a huge rescue.
It's a powerful visual to see right when you walk through the front door.

One can't help but be moved...
To a place of asking, "How can I help add more Freedom Rocks to the jar?"

Awareness. Prevention. Empowering Rescue. After Care. More Awareness.
(Repeat times infinity:)
This might not be the accurate sequence, but it's what I'll write.
We all can play a role... each one different but equally important.

If right now you are saying to yourself, "Is this what this whole post is going to be about?" The answer is no... but if you don't want to read on till the subject matter changes, then all I ask is that you play the vital role of praying for this organization and those still in slavery. Deep thanks.

For those of you willing to read on, I have a question for you:
"Have you, yourself, ever felt in bondage to something?"
(i.e. a marriage, a job, where you live, drugs, a lifestyle, alcohol, food etc.)
Invest the next minute(s) to really answer this honesty. It may have been in your past or you may be in bondage of it right now as you read this. Dare I say we all have felt trapped by something or someone. It's part of your story... it may have been a short chapter, it may be many or even a consistent thread weaved throughout your whole story.

To share chapters in my own story where I've been on bondage, I have to go back to a bridge in Santa Barbara, California... where I not only lived on the streets, but worked the streets. For those of you that don't know this lingo, I'm talking about prostitution. Yep, I'm mentally and emotionally going there, for this is one of the many ways I can relate to feeling the need to be rescued. We all have either been rescued or are in need of being rescued from whatever that ".........." is. The place under the bridge is where I'm willing to go, but I won't stay there long (for sake of myself and for your comfortableness as well:)

(Warning: This part is graphic)
I was addicted to and in bondage to crack (rock) cocaine.
Prostituting was what I fell into to feed my habit. I remember sitting up against the cement wall under the overpass bridge with the other 2 young women. There was a chain linked fence at the bottom of the dirt slope that went up to where we would sit. Men would either walk on the sidewalk on the other side of the fence or they would slowly drive their vehicles past us. They were looking at their options... 1 of the 3.
Choice make, one of us would be summoned. I don't need to go further in painting the picture, cause the part that needs to be framed is that I was in bondage to a lifestyle of darkness. I can emphasize with those in slavery... but what is different with my story and theirs, is that mine was a choice. There's is not.

These young girls and boys do not have a choice of breaking the chains of slavery/bondage because they are forced to be in it. They don't have the keys to freedom like we do. Most of the things we are in bondage to, we can choose to break out of... if willing and wanting.

But there is hope for these young, innocent ones too.
And The Exodus Road is courageously responding to this call to action.
They are willing to risk their lives for the freedom of other's lives.
These selfless people are going into the dark places to expose sexual slavery with the light of God. And with the gifts and talents God has given them, they are using them to fight this very real battle.

189 have been rescued and set free.
And more Freedom Rocks, representing another girl or boy, will soon be added to the jars... because just as the slavery isn't stopping, neither are the people at The Exodus Road.
Please visit their website at www.theexodusroad.com and watch the videos, read the articles and the blog, get involved, and be a part of a rescue. Go back to the question you answered before. Take your past or present experience with feeling trapped and in bondage and then think about the young ones who are in sexual slavery.
Both you and them can be set free... rescued.
Make the choice today to break the chains of your own bondage.
And choose to help in rescuing a boy or girl who doesn't have a choice.

Okay, here is where I highlight the amazing things that went on at the office this day, and then (as promised) change the topic. Thanks for staying through to this point! To speed things up, I'll just list the awesomeness, though the details of them deserve more words than...
1) Sat in on a stellar staff meeting.
2) Made a video of Laura giving an update report on a raid with myself scribing rocks that said "Free" or "Anna" in the background.
3) Laura and Kelley made a video about blogging for The Exodus Road.
4) Laura and I did a video about everyone being able to relate to being in bondage... and the blank rock in their office that represents the girl or boy still waiting for rescue. (And it's coming!!!)
*These 3 videos will be posted in the near future!*
5) The staff (and Isaac Leigh... valuable filming and editing volunteer) worked on checking off things on the long to-do-list of the day.
6) I found a comfy chair to scribe more "Free" and "Anna" rocks.
7) Seriously contemplated wanting to go on one of the raids in the future... Seriously. Though if I don't get a green light from God, my Rock and Rescuer, I would gladly volunteer a whole future summer or winter to work with this radical organization.

Quite a day... already.
And then the Leigh home became mission field #2, though it was I that was being ministered to. Every interaction and conversation with one or more of the Leigh's is memorable. And simply being at this peace-full house is a gift in and of itself. I wanted to go to the 5:45pm movie with them, but felt the need for alone time. Those two hours were spent writing. Then the silence and stillness was exchanged with the voices and pitter-patter of feet, which prompted a bigger smile on my face 'cause their house is better with the Leigh's in it! Steve, Kelley and I sat around the fire, talking and reflecting on the last couple days. One of their 4 sons, Isaac, joined us later to add to the stimulation. The fire was warming on a cool night, though the company warmed my heart on a much deeper level. I will miss them when it's my time to move on.

I believe this is a good place to give you all a big (cyber) Katie Bug hug and remind you that you are loved, valuable and have much purpose.
Stay encouraged amidst that which is discouraging.
Be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Open your heart to Jesus, the Rescuer.
Live in freedom today.
Love.

~Unshakable Peace, Freedom and Purpose~
cling to the Rock ♥
Psalm 18:1-2

Day 7 "West Coast Rock Tour"

 ~ 7th Day ~

Yesterday is still fresh in my heart and mind.

We filled all the seats of the Leigh car and headed to downtown Colorado Springs for church, Downtown New Life. Oh my my, downtown N.L. is just as rockin' as uptown N.L.!!! The continuation of worship...the music..., the continuation of being encouraged, challenged and fed by God's Living Word...the message..., and the continuations of being with beautiful people whom God loves...the fellowship... was AWESOME!!! Love going to new churches and meeting new friend.

                                      

One of those new friends I was finally able to meet in person was the huge-hearted, lovable Laura L. Parker. I felt both shy 'cause I so admire and respect this woman of courage, as well as elated to finally hug this woman who has embraced a calling that is not the typically call.
She and her husband, Matt, are founders of The Exodus Road... which I've talked about before and will continue to bring awareness to. I pray this was the first of many times our paths will merge.

We grabbed lunch at the LarkBurger (think that was the name) and my love for cilantro on anything was confirmed. A stimulating conversation was had between bites that covered what celebrity would we want to converse over dinner with, God's love for us despite our performance, motives behind our actions, our testimonies vs. testifying, and other profound and light topics. I love the minds of all the Leighs... they make me laugh and ponder.

                                     

Felt the need to go for a solo hike. Their house being on the slant of a mountain, I wouldn't have to go far to find a trail. Loaded up my (smaller) backpack and began the assent. Along the path, the peripheral vision of my right eye caught sight of small branches put together to spell a word: LOVE! Don't know who created it or if it was a person at all, but I certainly reaped the benefits of the natural reminder.

                                             

After some huffing and puffing (and detouring from the marked trail), the perfect perching place was found... a fallen pine tree overlooking the magnificent view of the valley and distant mountain range. Forgot to pack my harmonica, but not the Sharpie markers or rocks. Scribed a few rocks for The Exodus Road but honestly, was pretty distracted by the expansive beauty around me.

                                           

It was time to find my way back to the path... didn't choose an easy way on purpose 'cause the notion of getting lost up here was more tantalizing than fearful. Once it was found, I left a rock where someone might see it even if not looking for a reminder from God that they are loved and not forgotten.

                                           

Back at the resort-like Leigh house, excitement was in the air. A group of random (but specific) people had been invited to sit in the cozy living room to have a time of getting to know one another. The next almost 4 hours was amazing. The short documentary video of my story (for God's glory) was shown and a time of question and answer followed. God's Spirit was undeniably leading this time and all credit goes to Him who is the reason the night went as it did. The discussions and conversations with smaller groups of 2-4 people in each might have been more healing, powerful and purposeful than all of us gathered together. 

As the people began to funnel out, the wonderful intensity of the evening began to settle in the need to rest. Hence, why this post is a day behind! And today's events are yet to come... another beautiful, full day of love, joy and purpose.

I'm smiling so wide at the awesomeness of God.
He works all things together for the good.
It's a wonder that He uses us.
Staying willing. 

~Unshakable Peace, Joy and Purpose~
cling to the Rock 
Psalm 18:1-2

Day 6 ~ "West Coast Rock Tour"

 ~ 6th Day ~

Today was a day of rest... well, kind of.

Last night was a reprieve from life on the road and living in Tumbler. The long, hot shower I took not only washed off a few layers of grime, but also reminded me of how we can take such simple things for granted. It took me back to when I was living on the streets of California and would go weeks without a shower. Even though it's only been under a week, so much has been a reminder of darker days. Sights, sounds and smells have triggered memories... some I remember and some I had forgotten.
But the triggers are reminders of where I no longer am, where I came up out of, who and where I am today, and the beauty of using past experiences to help others find freedom.

While the shower was wonderful, the real bed was also a welcome sight... and beautiful bonus. I slept like a rock and didn't get woken by the heat of the sun (slept soundly till 10am!) For those of you who don't know this about me, oatmeal + brown sugar + a big spoonful of peanut butter has been my consistent breakfast for the last 5 yrs... faithfully. And this was another luxury I have been missing on the road, as Tumbler does not have a microwave installed (yet:). The bowl of oatmeal tastes better than usual this morning. Sometimes the small things we in-joy on an everyday basis are the sweet (bonus) things we miss when they aren't available.

So I'm at the amazing Leigh house and there is something so warming about this beautiful home and more so the beautiful family who lives in it. If you have ever been blessed with knowing them, they are some of the kindest, warm-hearted, generous, down-to-earth, talented/gifted and Godly people you may meet. There is no exaggeration in this either... the Leigh's are a treasure once discovered, one does not want to let go of. Kelley, in particular, has played a huge role in my recovery and healing process over the years. I could write so much on who she is, who she has meant to me and continues to be, and what she is doing now that encourages me to keep allowing God to direct my steps, be my Counselor and Guide. She is currently writing a book... Whoop whoop!!! I'll be waiting to buy it when it's published and all of you should be excited to get a copy of your own and glean from the wisdom, experience, courage and life of this amazing gifted and Godly woman.

                                             

After the morning's adjustment to waking up in a house and welcomed slow pace, Kelley and I decided to go for a long hike. With their dog more than content to hop in the backseat of Tumbler, we set off down the road to our destination... the starting point of an absolutely beautiful trail that meandered by a small stream, through groves of trees of all types and alongside and through mountains. The variety of flowers and sweet smell of sage and pine trees were aromas that tickled our senses. There were red, grey and green rocks of all sizes that had broken off and fallen down the mountainside and the cliffs brought me back to my climbing days (when I used to do things without ropes that were honestly not that smart). The scenery was stellar... but the topography of the conversations were beautiful beyond the view. Conversing with Kelley is an overflow of joy.

                   

It started to rain but we both didn't mind. Like the shower last night, the rain was a washing in more than one way. It was a warm rain too, and it felt so good to be in the warmth of God's love and his gift of such a kindred friend.

Once back at the house, I felt kinda unsettled and antsy 'cause much the last 5 days had been spent on streets not knowing (in a good way) where I would wander to and who would be placed on that path. Here, I had no where I needed to go and nothing I needed to do... except rest and take advantage of that. So I pulled out my backpack from Tumbler, found a comfy place on their couch, and began to scribe a rock. One of their 4 all uniquely different and extremely talented/gifted sons was playing the bass guitar to a variety of songs that became the soundtrack of my scribing. Isaac is 17 and mature beyond his years. He is very knowledgeable of music and I in-joyed listening to him figure out the bass lines to the songs by ear. After only a few letters on the rock, I asked him what he wanted to do/be in life... a delightful and colorful conversation followed and I put aside my Sharpie marker and rock as he put down his bass guitar to engage in a variety of topics. I love seeing guys his age who have passion and love for God. He is a bright young man with a bright future ahead of him, still he is aware of the gift of this day and the One who made it.

                                    

Pizza was ordered and more conversations were ushered in around the huge family dining room table. Kelley, Isaac and I talked about Tattoos, semicolons, mudslides, lightning and the brevity of life. It was great eating with friends and sharing life stories.

Kelley works at an incredible non-for profit organization called Exodus Road. I will finally get to me Laura (the founder with her husband Matt) and the E.R. team Mon. and I'm beyond stoked for this long awaited merging of physical (rather than cyber) paths. Kelley and I lingered at the table for another 30-40 min talking about E.R. and all that they are doing for the girls and boys they rescue from human trafficking in Thailand and India. Please check them out and support, encourage and pray for this organization at www.theexodusroad.com. We all can play a valuable role in helping the rescue of these innocent ones... whether that is praying or giving. My friends, please go to their site. Read about "Sarah's Story" and her amazing rescue. Missing oatmeal makes me feel pretty selfish compared to the over 27 million who are missing freedom right now.
Awareness is one things... doing something about that awareness is another. I feel blessed to be able to play a small role in and with this awesome organization Mon. and hopefully, the years to come.

Wiping away the moisture in my eyes, that is a hard paragraph to follow.
We have freedoms and luxuries today that we so take for granted.
I hope both you and I think about Sarah and the nameless others who are still in slavery at this very moment, the next time we go to complain about something. We have it so good compared to so many.
                                      

                                   

The rest of the evening was spent on the living room couch with my dear friend, Kelley.... creating a blog for "cling to the Rock" ministry. Actually we were just refining and revising the already existing one made by another great and gifted friend, Steve Baird. The blog was created for people to be able to go watch the documentary videos filmed over 2 years ago of my story... for God's glory. The newly revised blog is still at the same address (www.clingtotheRock.blogspot.com) and the videos are still there on the side, but now people can follow the "West Coast Rock Tour" at this site as well as other postings when I arrive back at the home mission field. This will enable people who are not friends with me on FB to learn about God's love and catch a glimpse of what goes on in my often wandering (but always growing) mind that is constantly being stretched by the awesomeness of our Savior and Rock. Please let others know that this blog is alive!!! I'm so very grateful for the brilliant mind of Kelley who graciously invested this time to put the needed fresh breath into this blog.
I am viewing it as another mission field, so please pray for me to continue being bold in sharing the Good News on this new soil.

We are all called to different mission fields everyday.
Not one is more important than the previous or the next.
Let us be mindful of every deposit we make into other people.
May we be intentional about our words, attitude and actions.
View every post (on and off FB) as if it were your last.
It will change your view of everything.
So if this is my last post, know I love you.
But more importantly, God loves you infinitely more.
He wants to be your rescuer.
Be set free in Jesus' name today.

~Unshakable Peace, Love and Purpose~
Cling to the Rock 
Psalm 18:1-2

Day 5 ~ West Coast Rock Tour

~ 5th Day ~ 

Church parking lot, downtown Colorado Springs, and the amazing Leighs

Today was a much slower pace than the last 4 days, still it was packed with a variety of mission fields, meeting new friends, and learning to rely more and more on the God and less and less on myself.

I woke up in the parking lot of the "Focus On The Family" campus cause the coolness of the night was traded for the heat of the morning sun. Tumbler is kind of like a toaster oven in the morning. Once the sun is up, it's a slow rise in temperature till....POP!!!...I just have to get up and get out. Because the Walmart bathroom and fruit isle weren't available, I drove to a gas station to splash some water on my face, change clothes and grab an apple and cup of not strong enough coffee.

The conference at New Life Church was still buzzing and bouncing. I had my vitamins and protein shake once I got to the parking lot and wrote the "4th Day" post but the battery on the loaned MyFi gizmo konked out on me right as I was about to push the post button. I knew if I unplugged my laptop, that I would lose the whole post (and of course, it wasn't short), so I left it plugged in as well as the MyFi to charge. The dilemna was that I knew I needed to be inside the church for many reasons, but that meant I would have to leave my truck running in the parking lot. Ok God, I'm not trying to test your protection from thieves, but I'm going in, and I trust you will have angels on guard of Tumbler! I grabbed the spare key, strapped on my backpack and walked away (with a few tentative glances back at my buddy). I knew this faith walk could literally have turned into a me walking by faith without my truck.

I was inside for over an hour. Mostly walking up and down the maze of halls praying for the kids gathered there. There were tables with different ministries and organizations scattered all about. I stopped at one called "Every Home For Christ" and knew I was there for more than to gain info about this stellar ministry. A sweet girl named Grace came over and she told me about the prayer calendar (different countries every day of the year). She asked me where I was from... guess I don't look like a Coloradoian! I told her and started to give her the cliff-notes on the "West Coast Rock Tour" when Josh (her ministry partner) came over and started listening. He asked a slew of questions, and somehow we got on the topic of overseas mission trips. Grace went to talk with another person who had come to their table, but Josh and I kept sharing more and more about our passion for people. In the midst of our conversation about Africa as well as Trinidad and Tabago, two young guys suddenly started doing an interpretive dance to the music playing from their small portable radio. Here were two punk, skater-looking guys dancing for the Lord... and a crowd quickly gathered around them blocking Josh and I from seeing the second half. We both had this huge smile on our faces when our eyes met again cause it's so cool to see young people using their talents to bring glory to God. We started back up from where we had left off, but I noticed that when the music stopped, the crowd started cheering and walking away, that the two guys just picked up their radio and humbly walked off... smiling and their eyes looking up to the brim of their slanted hats. 

Seeing the attitude of these youngsters and having the opportunity to get to know the heart of Josh was a beautiful way to start the day.I left a "Trust" rock with Josh and wanted to give a rock to each of the young boys, but they were nowhere to be found.

All the while, Tumbler was running... and I had forgotten to be mindful of my time inside. To my relief (and more praise to God), he was still there purring on the parking lot. Sadly, I still couldn't push the post button to yesterday's highlights, but I was in no rush. I sat in there for over another hour... conversing with God. It was so peaceful in that spot that looked out over the valley and up to the vast mountain range. No desire to rush even if I needed to. I prayed for the church, the people who came here, the world prayer center next to it with flags of every nation/country surrounding the large building, the missionaries who they supported and prayed for, the new comers who were babes in Christ, the children who were being taught about Jesus, the young generation who were being charged to go against the flow of their peers and pressures they face, those who were single and allowing God to be their True Love, the ones who were mentoring others, the elderly who were living their last years with passion for handing down the baton to the generations to follow, and for the pastors and staff of the church and the many roles/responsibilities they embrace with humility and joy. This church had blessed me the last night as well as this morning, and I was just so grateful that God had put a tack on the map for me... knowing that this was where I needed to be.

After some time, I realized I needed to pull the plug... leave out from this spot and leave the hundreds of words of "4th Day" to be re-typed somewhere else. Deep sigh as I shifted Tumbler out of P position and into D. Still, there was a big smile on my face, for I sensed God leading me back to downtown Colorado Springs... to meet new people and re-connect with those I had met yesterday. And I was not disappointed! The noon hour had crowded the streets... with suit-clad business men and women, tourists, hungry locals, and even more hungry homeless people of all ages. 

Once a parking spot was located and the meter filled, I ambled to a little coffee joint with free WiFi. I had taken pictures of the lengthy highlights, and it took quite a while to re-type them from the small screen of my camera. The post button pushed and my iced chai tea latte down the hatch, I was off to swap out my laptop for my backpack. As I was unlocking my truck, the nearby parking lot attendant stepped out of this booth and commented me on my physique. He did it in a way that was genuine... and he even told me he wasn't trying to "smooth" with me. We talked through me grabbing my backpack and for the next 15-20min. Found out he loved drawing/sketching... and wanted to do a short animation of me and the rocks. I shrugged and said, "Sure, that'd be cool." Gave him a "Peace" rock and my card to stay in contact.
Omar was his name...he's had Jesus in His heart for many, many years.

                                                    

There was a bench not far away that had my name all over it.... but first I walked around downtown in hopes of crossing paths with those I had met yesterday. It wasn't long before I saw "Rebel." Well, he saw me first and yelled my name across the street. He was with another homeless guy nicknamed "Cowboy" and they informed me of their mission for the next few hours... one that was quite different from the mission I was on. Rebel was trying to explain to Cowboy what I did, and it was interesting to hear his interpretation: "She looks like one of us, but she's not. Katie gives rocks to people and doesn't care who you are or if you have a lot or nothin'. She's different, but cool." Cowboy scratched his head and under his cowboy hat and said, "Right on." He was on a mission and wanted something else other than a rock with a word like Freedom on it. But Rebel pulled out yesterday's rock from his pocket and flashed it at me as they were walking away. Deep down, he is good man.

                                                 

To save on words, I'm going to fast forward 4 hours. There were a few interactions with people at the bench, lots of rocks scribed, a few verbal arguments and one fist fight at the corner down from me, a lot more praying, and all the while observing people and avoidance of people who are (or look like they are) homeless.

I had contacted my kindred friend Kelley Leigh to inquire about rolling up their steep driveway. There was so much anticipation to spend quality time with the amazing Leigh family and all the ministry opportunities that God has pre-orchestrated on their home mission field. Contact was made as well as a tentative time that evening to make the trek up the mountain roads to their abode... but there were other things to do downtown before I ventured high uptown.

In those next 4 hours, the one experience that most needs to be testified about is my time at a hidden park. Earlier, Rebel and Cowboy had told me about a "feeding" time and place... Thurs. night chicken in the park. The food bus rolled into this park every Thurs to feed the homeless with chicken and love. I was excited to hear that there were people doing something to help the people on the streets instead of the majority that avoided/ignored them. I really wanted to ask the people who handed out chicken... and meet more of those who were going to eat it. The problem was that the feeding started a 6pm and I needed to be on the road by then to make the trek up the mountains. But I went out to find this park anyway.
It truly was hidden... behind some large buildings. I saw the congregated backpackers, shopping cart pushers, soiled clothed, scraggly haired people under the large pavilion as well as many perched under the scattered trees in the park. Oh to have 3 hours to meander from person to person, gathering stories and leaving them with a rock to add to their few possessions. But I only had 40mins... and knew there would be only one person.

His name was Kelley. His most treasured possession was his bike.
I sat down across from him on the picnic table and asked him if he'd like a real cigarette. (Yes I still smoke... a habit yet to be kicked, but one that often ushers me into the door to have conversations. It's a common ground that enabled me to invite them to a higher ground. It may be a poor witness, but we all have different things we still struggle with... smoking is one of mine.) This small gesture initiated a 40min conversation with Kelley, who has a unique story. He has been riding all over the Western part of the US for many years. He was very expressive with some of his journeys... after he got up to come over to my side of the table and shake my hand (hand clasping my wrist and mine his), he stayed standing in front of me describing his experiences in a charades-like way. His goal this year was to bike up to Alaska. He didn't speak of any family but an uncle... like many on the streets, family is a hard topic to talk about, for many reasons. I told him of my own current mission, and he gave me several knuckles throughout the telling. I asked him if he wanted off the streets and he quickly said, "Not really, but I really do want to get to Alaska to find my uncle before he dies, and then get back on my bike to journey on." Kelley preferred this lifestyle... and loved to ride solo.
I left his with rock that had a heart on it and said "Love Rocks."
Told him if he didn't want the extra weight of it, to give it to someone along the ride, but he said, "Nope, I'm definitely keeping this forever 'cause it's a rock that reminds me I'm loved no matter what."
Kelley was fed more than chicken that night... and I though I left before the poultry bus arrived, I too, was fed by the merging of two people traveling many miles for different missions (but loved by the same God).

                                                             

Time for Tumbler and I to make the journey up the mountainous road of Route 24 to the amazing Leigh family. I completely missed a turn and followed a road till my eyebrows furrowed in knowing I was way lost. Good thing the reservation time of 7pm wasn't at restaurant, and my friends were more than gracious to give new directions and an open door welcome whenever I arrived. Once on 24, I was blown away by the beauty of the mountains to my left and right (literally 4ft on the right side of Tumbler!). I pulled off the steep, winding road twice because the moisture in my eyes kept accumulating. Snapped a couple pictures after wiping away tears of joy, awe and gratitude. There had been a huge mudslide just a few days ago on this very road I was driving on, and though had been cleared up, this evidence was still on the side of the road.

                                                   

Pulling up the steep driveway of the grand Leigh abode, I found myself letting out a deep sigh when I shifted Tumbler into P. This felt good... being in a safe place, with a stellar family, with the assurance that much more awesomeness was to follow in these next few days.

I'm so grateful for Kelley and her family.
They are fuel to my soul, for they too are people who grasp the brevity of life and the real purpose and mission of every gift of another day. The whole family are walking witnesses of our loving God. I am blessed to rest here and soak up precious time with them.
I am being ministered to here.

~Unshakable Peace, Love and Purpose~
cling to the Rock ♥
Psalm 18:1-2